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Whydidwomengoto the bathroom in groups or pairs? I wondered if the two of them were talking about me, because Tansy was the only thing I’d thought of all morning.
Lying with her in my arms all night had been both a gift and a punishment. As she’d fallen asleep, she’d cuddled back into me, her round little ass pressed against my front. But she was trusting me to keep her safe, not to molest her while she slept, so I’d lain there, cock aching, until she was soundly asleep. Then, because I must be a masochist, I stayed until dawn, just listening to her soft sounds.
Tansy was a light sleeper, and every little thing threatened to wake her, so I’d slowly dematerialized out of her blankets to prevent interrupting her sleep and popped back up to my room to get ready for the day.
I hadn’t realized she was lacking sleep the last two days until I saw her well-rested this morning. It made me want to find an excuse to hold her again every night, even if it was torture for me.
“Did you hear a single word I said?” Grayson waved his ham hands in front of my face. Wearing his glamor spell helped hide his gargoyle aspect, but it only reduced his size by a little; he was still huge in human guise.
We sat at a table in The Witch’s Brew, a tiny coffee shop filled with kitschy esoteric décor. It was owned by the redheaded witch behind the counter who, according to the plaque, brewed better coffees than potions.
He followed my eyes to the hallway where the two women had disappeared. “They’re safe. I checked the back, and there’s no entrance there. We’ll see anyone who goes in.”
He thought I was worried about their safety instead of pining over a woman I didn’t deserve. No one took a demon seriously, especially not a witch with so much magic. She might not have much experience, but she had potential galore. When she realized she could protect herself just fine, she wouldn’t need me anymore. That might happen sooner rather than later with how dedicated she was to her quest.
I’d noticed her and Shelby going through that spell book in the back seat earlier. They’d tried a simple prettifying spell. Shelby’s magic was so slight it was barely perceptible. Tansy’s magic had filled the SUV. Everyone ended up with rosy cheeks, thick lashes, and glossy lips, me and Grayson included.
I wasn’t even angry. I was impressed, and I wore my makeup with pride. So what if that guy had laughed on our way into the coffee shop? Nothing my fist couldn’t fix.
“I asked if you’ve figured out how Tansy can pay you back for your protection,” Grayson said.
I shrugged and took a sip of macchiato from my to-go cup. “I hadn’t thought of it yet, but I’ll figure out something after we finish her quest.”
The coffee here was pretty good. No wonder Shelby had insisted we stop by. But I wasn’t sure if it was the coffee itself or if it had been infused with the slightest bit of magic. If it had been, was that cheating?
The two women came out from the hallway with terrified looks on their faces, and I sat a little bit taller looking for danger. They hurried over to us.
“We need to go. Mother’s found us.” Tansy was pale.
I reached my awareness out around me but didn’t feel any wayward spirits around. From what I’d learned at the library yesterday, I should be able to sense when Amrita’s spirit was near. These souls were like demons, except without the ability to generate mass. They had to take over a body if they wanted to be solid.
“I do not feel her spirit,” I said. “Is she trying to take over now?”
I felt a moment of vulnerability. If I couldn’t even detect her, how could I warn Tansy? I’d be useless to her.
“No,” Tansy answered. “She was in the mirror.”
“I saw her too,” Shelby said, trembling in Grayson’s arms. “It was creepy.”
“That sounds like magic,” said Grayson.
“But I thought she wouldn’t be able to if she was still—” Tansy paused. “You know; I’m afraid to talk. In case she’s listening in.” Her hand went to the chain around her neck, which held the magical charm. Then she froze again, her eyes wide and focused on something behind me.
I turned, and there in the reflection on a brass lantern was a woman’s face. It looked young at first but quickly aged to that of an old hag. Then it was gone. I got up and walked to the counter where Griselda was cheerfully stocking the pies.
According to the story of this place, she wasn’t a very good witch, but I didn’t believe it. She had more magic than she let on.
“Griselda, there is an evil spirit in your shop,” I said, cutting to the chase.
She narrowed her eyes at me. “ Yes, I see that. I could kick you out, demon.”
“No, not me.”
She concentrated, and suddenly her face turned stormy. “Not a spirit. Magic. Wizard magic.”
No wonder I hadn’t been able to detect the spirit; there was none to detect. It was a projection.
She eyed our table. “They must be after that girl with Shelby. Shelby was targeted once by the Wizard’s Elder Council. Coming in with you, I’d thought the girl was an experienced magic user, not afraid to show off her magic. I see it’s the opposite.”
